2011-02-02 P R Minutes Approved - Laserfiche WebLink

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Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes 02-02-11 Chairperson Branch reported that while the committee has discussed the possibility of trying to pursue grants to purchase Mr. Leibel’s property where the burial mounds are located, the committee was only in the earliest stages of thinking through what could be done in this area. Before grant money can be seriously pursued, the committee would need a much better defined project than we currently have. Chairperson Branch suggested the committee start thinking of what we want to do in Centerville for this burial mound area. Some possibilities may be to erect a roadside sign or to consider purchasing the property. Committee Member Seeley stated this site is designated as a burial mound and is protected by law. Committee Member Seeley would prefer the City buy the property if at all possible and maintain in its current state with signage on the trail. Perhaps, Anoka County might want to buy the land and add it to Rice Creek Regional Park. Committee Member Haiden stated that if the site is already protected by law, the Parks & Recreation Committee may not need to purchase the site in order for it to be preserved and the committee should find out what can be done by any new purchaser. For example, could they build between the mound and the road so as to block the view? The committee would request the City Attorney look into what the owner can do with the property going forward given the historic designation. Tree Diversification Eagle Scout Project - Philip Capra & Mary Capra Mr. Philip Capra attended the committee meeting to discuss his Eagle Scout Project which the committee had motioned to support at the July 7, 2010 committee meeting. Mr. Capra applied for and received a DNR grant on behalf of the City and was awarded $7,200 for planting trees. DNR grants typically require a covenant on property where improvements are made with federal funding and the City would need to enter into a covenant agreement regarding any park the trees are planted in. If park property is sold for any reason, the City would need DNR approval. While the original Eagle Scout Project called for adding trees to multiple parks, because Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park already has DNR covenants in place, Mr. Dallas Larson, City Administrator, suggested adding trees to just this park. Mr. Capra is working on a site plan for the committee’s approval. The trees would be purchased from Rum River Tree Farm. Mr. Capra would like the Parks & Recreation Committee to recommend that City Council accept the 22 trees (2.5” diameter stalks) to be planted at Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park. Motion was made by Committee Member Amundsen, seconded by Committee Member Seeley to recommend City Council approve all 22 trees funded by the DNR grant be planted in Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park to save cost, time and dealing with future covenants. All in favor. Motion carried unanimously VII. ADJOURNMENT Motion was made by Vice-Chairperson Grahek, seconded by Committee Member Seeley, to adjourn the February 2, 2011 Parks & Recreation Committee meeting at 9:15 p.m. All in favor. Motion carried unanimously. Transcribed by Committee Member Haiden 6 of 6